Comic Anthology to Be Released for Puerto Rico’s Relief Efforts

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Category: Human Interest

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. anthology / ænˈθɒl ə dʒi / (n) – a collection of literary works such as poems, stories, etc.
    Example:

    The writer published an anthology of 12 short stories.


  2. join forces / dʒɔɪn fɔrs ɛs / (idiom) – to work together to achieve a goal
    Example:

    The painters joined forces with a group of sculptors to create the gigantic artwork.


  3. put a spotlight on (something) / pʊt ə ˈspɒtˌlaɪt ɒn / (idiom) – to make something the center of attention
    Example:

    The documentary aims to put a spotlight on environmental issues.


  4. iconic / aɪˈkɒn ɪk / (adj) – famous and can be easily recognized by people
    Example:

    Every child in the country knows the comic book’s iconic main character.


  5. lend a hand / lɛnd uh hænd / (idiom) – to help
    Example:

    Some teachers are willing to lend a hand to the students in finishing their project.


Article

Read the text below.

A new comic anthology will be published to support Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts.


Several months after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, parts of the island still have not gained access to electricity and reliable food supplies. Because of this, Puerto Rican graphic novelist Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez joined forces with American comic book publisher DC Comics to produce a 192-page comic anthology as a fund-raising initiative.


Together with other Latino writers and artists, Miranda-Rodriguez created Ricanstruction: Reminiscing and Rebuilding Puerto Rico. The collection will feature stories that put a spotlight on Puerto Rico’s history and culture.


Ricanstruction revolves around La Borinqueña [bo-reeng-KEN-yah]—a comic superheroine wearing a costume inspired by the Puerto Rican flag—who goes on adventures to rebuild Puerto Rico. The heroine was created by Miranda-Rodriguez in 2016 as an instrument in discussing Puerto Rico’s debt crisis at that time.


In the anthology, DC Comics’ iconic superheroes like Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman are lending a hand to La Borinqueña in the island’s recovery efforts.


All of the proceeds from Ricanstruction will be donated to various organizations working to help the devastated island recover after the hurricane.


Meanwhile, another comic book collection meant to benefit Puerto Rico was published by American publisher Lion Forge. The collection, Puerto Rico Strong, also aims to assist the island’s relief efforts. Through the series, the creators wanted to show the diversity and history of the Puerto Rican community.


All profits from Puerto Rico Strong will go to the volunteer group United Way of Puerto Rico (UWPR) and will be used in building childcare facilities, community schools, and health care centers in the island.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Would you be interested to read a comic book like Ricanstruction? Why or why not?
• Do you think comic books are effective tools to talk about social and political issues? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• Aside from comics/literature, what art forms can be used to promote causes or raise awareness of social issues? Discuss.
• If you were to create art to promote certain causes, what form would you use and who would you collaborate with? Discuss.